650,000 murders since 1994 linked to historical violence, elite inaction, and underfunded police, urging bold reforms.
Roman Cabanac, former chief of staff to South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has sparked debate with a recent report claiming that the country’s high crime rate, nearly 650,000 murders since 1994, stems from historical, political, and systemic issues.
In his video series Undercurrents, Cabanac outlines three key reasons for South Africa’s persistent violent crime problem and proposes solutions modeled on global examples.
Cabanac points to the “People’s War” of the 1980s, where the African National Congress (ANC) targeted black community leaders opposed to its agenda, as a root cause. He argues this campaign dismantled the social fabric of black communities, leading to ongoing chaos and crime.
Additionally, he claims that South Africa’s elites benefit from a “low trust society” created by crime, which prevents collective action against them and fosters ties between politicians and criminal networks.
Lastly, Cabanac highlights the chronic underfunding of the police, noting their inadequate training, poor pay, and lack of resources.
To address the crisis, Cabanac suggests emulating El Salvador, which reduced its murder rate dramatically by targeting criminal hotspots, dismantling organized crime, and streamlining judicial processes.
He also calls for stronger border control and deportation of foreign nationals involved in violent crime syndicates, alleging many operate with corruptly obtained documents.
Cabanac’s report has stirred controversy, with critics questioning his historical narrative and others praising his call for decisive action. He insists solutions are straightforward but accuses South Africa’s elites of lacking the will to act, citing their alleged alliances with criminals as a barrier to progress.
As South Africa confronts its crime epidemic, Cabanac’s claims are fueling discussions about governance, accountability, and the path forward.
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